Pokhara City and Lakeside Tour

Permit & Cost

No special permits are needed for this Pokhara City and Lakeside Tour. All the attractions we visit (Phewa Lake, Tal Barahi Temple, Davi’s Fall (Patale Chhango), Gupteshwor Mahadev Cave, International Mountain Museum) are open to the public. The tour price includes the boat ride and entry fees, so there are no hidden permit charges during the day.

You should plan only for personal expenses such as tips, snacks, or souvenirs. The package also includes a Lakeside lunch. Morning Star Treks handles all transportation and site tickets in the package cost. In summary, you pay one price for the tour and won’t need additional permits or fees on tour day.

Best Time to Do This Tour

The Pokhara city and lakeside tour is best enjoyed in clear weather. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) are the most popular seasons. Skies are clear during these months and the mountain views most spectacular. The climate is pleasent and ideal in sightseeing. On the contrary, the monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rain, which may interfere with outdoor activities and clouds mountain views.

It is colder in winter (December–February), however, the days are usually bright and sunny. When you come in winter, you should wear layers because it is colder in the morning. The morning light at the lake is beautiful at any time of the year, and we plan to start the tour at sunrise to experience the best.

Fitness and Preparation

This is a tour that requires minimal physical activity. Travelers require a minimum fitness to walk moderate distances and a few steps up. The itinerary involves taking a boat, hiking up the temple stairs and into the cave (approximately 100 steps), so the ability to walk and stand comfortably is adequate. There is no necessity to acclimatize to high altitude because Pokhara is approximately 800-900 meters in altitude.

In preparation, wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable layers. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect against sun exposure on the lake and open sites. We recommend carrying a small water bottle, as you may get thirsty while walking between attractions. Since this is a one-day trip, no special training is required; just normal good health. On tour day, rest well the night before to enjoy the full morning of Pokhara sightseeing.

Guide and Staff

Your Pokhara city and lakeside tour will be led by an experienced local guide provided by Morning Star Treks. The guide speaks fluent English and is trained to provide information about the history and culture of Pokhara. The guide will deal with the itinerary, provide narration at all the sites and make sure the tour is smooth running.

All road transfers are done by providing a comfortable vehicle with a separate driver. The guide and driver are both professional and friendly and are prepared to help with any requirement. The guide is able to respond to the questions, propose the locations to take photographs, and adjust the speed of the group.

We also have staff members trained in emergency and first aid in the event of any medical or logistical problem. Group sizes are kept modest (typically 10–15 guests) so the guide can give personal attention. Overall, the Morning Star Treks team ensures you have a safe, informative, and enjoyable Pokhara sightseeing experience.

Visa and Permit

Every foreigner who visits Nepal is required to have a tourist visa. The visas may either be acquired at the Tribhuvan International Airport (Kathmandu) upon arrival, or upon crossing the land borders, or one can apply to acquire e-Visa prior to traveling. The current visa prices are approximately 30 USD per 15 days, 50 USD per 30 days and 125 USD per 90 days (Multientry).

These fees are paid in US dollars or Nepalese rupees. Visa fees are typically paid in cash (USD preferred; NPR accepted). Card facilities may not always be available. It is best to have some cash on hand to pay the fee. Citizens of India and some SAARC countries have special entry arrangements (often free or lower-cost visa), so check the latest rules for your nationality. Besides the visa, no additional permit is needed specifically for this day tour.

Davi’s Fall and Barahi Temple do not require special permits. Morning Star Treks can advise you on the visa application process if needed. Be sure to carry your passport and visa documents when visiting Pokhara.